Catalina Rosa of Warwick volunteered 1,124 hours last year at St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick.

Ed Harris and Mary Desiderio, both Suffern residents, volunteered 852 and 848 hours, respectively, last year at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Suffern.

The three hospitals of Bon Secours Charity Health System gathered 185 volunteers April 20 for a National Volunteer Week brunch at the Sheraton Crossroads in Mahwah. More than 570 volunteers served the three hospitals last year – for a total of nearly 98,000 hours.

“It’s wonderful that they are doing this for us,” said Patrick Colman of Warwick, a longtime volunteer at St. Anthony Community Hospital.

The brunch marked the first time volunteers from all Bon Secours Charity Health System facilities were honored at a single event; volunteers were provided bus transportation. It was an opportunity for Bon Secours Charity Health System senior administrators to express their gratitude to the many dedicated men and women, ranging in age from high school students to senior citizens, who donate their time and energy.

“You are cherished members of our hospital family,” said Mann. “You are essential to our success.”

Mann reported that in the past year, volunteers donated 97,652 hours of service to Bon Secours Charity Health System, resulting in an immeasurable savings in resources that can be employed to provide the best possible healthcare in each community where they serve.

Philip Patterson, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System, called for a round of applause for those volunteers unable to attend the recognition event because they were working at each facility that day. He mentioned how much he enjoys being greeted by individual volunteers when he visits each facility. “Thank you for all your smiles and all your help,” Patterson said.

Gerry Durney, chief operating officer of Bon Secours Charity Health System and executive vice president of Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, pointed out that senior volunteers, having had careers and raising families, bring a variety of valuable experiences and talents with their service. “We really appreciate all that you do,” said Durney.

Deborah Marshall, vice president of public relations, marketing and strategic planning for Bon Secours Charity Health System, praised the volunteers for helping the Health System control expenses, which in turn enabled the hospitals to purchase the latest in healthcare technology.

Volunteers Rosa, Lahey, Harris and Desiderio received special awards and gifts for having served the most hours in their local hospitals last year.

At the conclusion of the event, all participated in a raffle for 75 gift certificates and merchandise provided by local business.

Mary Desiderio of Suffern, center, who volunteered 848 hours last year at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Suffern, is congratulated by the Medical Center’s Lynn Beers, left, and Penny Mann, director of volunteers for Bon Secours Charity Health System, at an April 20 volunteer recognition brunch at the Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah.
Ed Harris of Suffern, left, who volunteered 852 hours last year at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Suffern, is congratulated by Penny Mann, director of volunteers for Bon Secours Charity Health System, at an April 20 volunteer recognition brunch at the Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah.
Catalina Rosa of Warwick, center, who volunteered 1,124 hours last year at St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, is congratulated by Andrea Studnitzer, and Amy Moore, volunteer coordinators for Bon Secours Charity Health System, at an April 20 volunteer recognition brunch at the Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah.
Beth Lahey of Port Jervis, center, who volunteered 1,255 hours last year at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, is congratulated by Penny Mann, director of volunteers for Bon Secours Charity Health System, and volunteer coordinator Amy Moore at an April 20 volunteer recognition brunch at the Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah.
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center volunteers Ann Richter of Pomona and Josephine Magliola of Suffern were among the lucky winners of raffle prizes at a Bon Secours Charity Health System volunteer recognition brunch for 185 volunteers April 20 at the Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah. Dozens of gift certificates and merchandise, donated by Orange and Rockland county businesses, were presented to the volunteers.

About Bon Secours Charity Health System

Bon Secours Charity Health System comprises Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Suffern, New York, and two community hospitals, Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, New York, and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, New York.

Bon Secours Charity Health System also includes a certified home health agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living/adult home facility, and several other off-site medical programs.

The Health System, which draws its name from its two Catholic sponsors, the Sisters of Bon Secours and the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, serves nearly 1 million people. With more than 3,400 employees, the Health System is one of the region’s largest employers.